An oasis in the middle of the desert

Imagine a desert oasis, a watery playground abuzz with boats and people enjoying a myriad of recreational pastimes. That’s the scene at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where the mighty Colorado River supplies two lakes, Mead and Mohave, in the shadows of mountain forests and steep canyon walls. Enter the area, which comprises more than 607,000 hectares – about 526,00 on land and 81,000 of water – via nine main access points. Upon arrival, take a Mississippi-style paddlewheel trip through the Boulder Basin, go river rafting or spend some quality time aboard a houseboat. Landlubbers can hike, ride a horse and take scenic drives.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a startling contrast of desert and water, mountains and canyons, primitive backcountry and busy marinas. Here, the Colorado River flows along the Arizona-Nevada border through one of the hottest, driest regions on Earth. The Hoover Dam helped create this beautiful oasis while also providing energy to the western U.S.

Established as the USA's first national recreation area, Lake Mead draws millions of visitors who flock to the desert for boating, fishing, swimming and water-skiing. While the lake is certainly the main attraction, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the quiet, stark beauty of the surrounding Mojave Desert. Numerous hiking trails offer a look at the park’s dramatically exposed geology and the surprising abundance of specially adapted plants and animals.